US E-2 Investor Visa: Spouses and Children

The spouse and children of an E-2 investor can get E-2 dependent visas to live in the USA. They can file their application at the same time as the investor or after the investor has been granted the E-2 visa. Children must be under 21 to qualify for the E-2 dependent visa.

Since November 2021, the spouse has been authorized to work based on E-2 status alone ("employment authorized incident to status"), so there is no longer any need to apply to USCIS for a separate work permit. The I-94 marked E-2S serves as proof for employers. This work authorization covers the open job market and gives the spouse a great deal of flexibility and convenience. In general, the spouse can work for any employer and in any occupation in the USA, except for certain government positions that require US citizenship. The spouse can work for the E-2 investor's company or take a job with another employer, and can also start a business of their own. Full-time and part-time work are both allowed.

The spouse and children can also attend school on the E-2 dependent visa. Children may go to a public or a private school. Keep in mind that once a child turns 21, they no longer qualify for the E-2 dependent visa and need a visa of their own to keep living or studying in the USA. Adult children often apply for the F-1 student visa to finish college or university in the USA. Many families in this situation also look at moving from the E-2 visa to a green card.

You'll find everything else on our E-2 investor visa overview page. See US visa options for freelancers and the self-employed here.